Most piping systems are generally thought of as plumbing. Whenever liquids or other materials pass through pipes for the purpose of supply or disposal, piping systems can be correctly referred to as plumbing systems. In the manufacturing industry, however, pipes that are used to move materials and liquids with the goal of creating something new are known as process piping instead. These are pipes that exist to convert raw materials such as:
- Chemicals
- Water
- Gases
- Non-water liquids
into usable products. In manufacturing and industrial facilities, plumbing and process piping can exist as part of vast, integrated systems, with each component and section boasting its own unique and essential purpose. For instance, heated water that must be cooled for disposal can pass through interior pipes to cooling tanks or other cooling systems via plumbing pipes. Water that is being used to create cleaning solutions, beverages, body sprays, or other salable products, however, will instead be moved through process piping. Ultimately, the surest way to distinguish between plumbing and process piping is by looking at the outcome. With process pipes, a new and viable product will be created and with plumbing, water and other materials will be simply brought out or in.
Other Ways To Distinguish Process Piping From Plumbing
Plumbing systems and their many different components are a key part of the mechanical system for any building. These can include pipes for moving gases and liquids that are vital for cooling and heating technologies, as well as pipework or plumbing that’s connected to waste-water systems and various plumbing appliances. Plumbing is largely associated with the supply and removal of materials, whereas process piping is intended to move raw materials through production processes.
Process piping also differs from the plumbing in its arrangement and in the overall flexibility of its design. Whereas plumbing must adhere to the often strict and fairly uniform standards that have been established by local building codes, process piping can be streamlined for meeting the unique needs of every organization and location. These systems can include numerous combinations of pressure hoses, tubing, traps, fittings, flanges, separators, pipes, and other elements. Moreover, each of these elements can be spaced and situated to ensure the perfect distribution, control, movement, and mixing of key manufacturing ingredients. What process piping and plumbing do have in common is the need to be regularly inspected to ensure total compliance.
The right process piping can streamline, expedite, and even simplify manufacturing operations for increased output, lower overhead costs, and quicker production times among many other improvements. When process piping already exists in manufacturing facilities, redesign projects and system upgrades can be incredibly advantageous as well. Process equipment manufacturers can even assist with space-saving strategies, environmentally friendly upgrades, and other changes that are essential for helping individual businesses reach their goals. If you’re ready to refine and enhance your manufacturing facility with cutting-edge process pipe designs, we can help. Call us now at 408-295-2182.